Temporary Closure of the PDCSC

With the coming of 2011 the Presbyterian Church (USA) Synod of South Atlantic is the contact organization with reference to the closure of the PDCSC. For information about the future of PC(USA) campus ministry in Gainesville call the Synod office at 904-356-6070.

There are several campus ministries on W. University Ave. ready and willing to welcome students who would seek to find fellowship, opportunities for service, worship and Bible study while they are enrolled in classes as Santa Fe College and University of Florida students.  Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic and Lutheran (and Jewish) friends are either very close or only a few blocks away.  As members of the Campus Ministry Cooperative, the association of ecumenical and interfaith ministries officially recognized by the Dean of Students Office of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs as a positive and healthy partner in student services, all of these ministries and their respective leadership teams are prepared to meet students’ spiritual needs.

Also, for those who have ready access to transportation, there are numerous Presbyterian churches in Gainesville.  First Christian Church is immediately across the street from Santa Fe College.  All of these churches are most welcoming, as they always have been, of students.  And as has always been the case, the former Council and Director continue to encourage PC(USA) and CC(DOC) students to find a church home here in Gainesville.

Your best interests, with reference to your spiritual health, are paramount in our hearts and minds as you pursue your academic career.

Every blessing be yours in Christ Jesus,

Rev C David Dean, former director/campus minister

Let’s Get Creative!

I went home for the weekend and ended up seeing a former teacher.  She had recently run across a card I made her when I was in Kindergarten.  She said it made her tear up just like it was ’94 again.  Then it struck me- she had kept this card for 16 years!  Of course, I don’t remember making it, and I imagine that the quality was standard for a 5-year-old; yet, for whatever reason, she had saved it.

“How you treat the creation reflects how you feel about the creator” (Rob Bell).

Think of the thing you are most proud of creating.  A piece of art? a song? your thesis or dissertation? children, if you have them?  Something that took time, focus, deliberate action.  Something you poured yourself into, stepped back from, and said, “yep, this is good”.

And then the very people you hoped would enjoy this creation not only neglect the work, but also destroy and defile it daily.

Do they just not realize I painted that?  They must not know… that’s why it’s painted over- or in the dumpster.  Do they not know I wrote that?  Is that why they haven’t bought it? or aren’t reading it yet?  Do they not know that’s my kid?!  They must not or they couldn’t be so cruel.

When people take for granted what we have done, it’s easy to take it personally.  It’s selfish in a way, because one’s creation tends to be one’s focus; therefore, it’s easier to neglect the works of others, which are only peripheral to one’s interests.  So, caring for- or about- the creations of our neighbors is just as important as the care we take with our own creations.  Recognizing and appreciating the time and passion that has been invested in each creation can be an act of love and respect, whether or not this work resonates with one’s own interests.

Look around you and appreciate the creation of God and humankind.  If a card I don’t remember making prompts an emotional response after 16 years, just imagine what power might be harnessed in your own creative energies!  But don’t forget to open yourself to the efforts of others- and to value them through the ages.

as Frankie Says…

RELAX!

This Saturday the Student Center has a trip to Ichetucknee Springs State Park to go tubing down the river. It is one of the many relaxing activities one can take part in in the surrounding area of and near Gainesville, FL. The Student Center has planned this trip probably once or twice a year, and I try to attend every time I can. In today’s world we deal with a lot of rushing around and I personally don’t always take the time to stop and meditate upon my surroundings. I think this might be the case for many college students (and the working peeps too). We need to take the time to relax and enjoy life. It is very important for our body, mind and spirit. There is so much going on in our daily lives that we forget to take time to admire and bask in the love and beauty which has been given to us. This Saturday I am excited to float down the river, relaxed in my tube, looking to the heavens and thanking the Cosmos for all of the beauty that I’ve experience. If you can make the time, join us this Saturday for a relaxing ride down the Ichetucknee river. Your body, mind and soul will thank you for it!

We are meeting by 8:30am at the Student Center and heading out at 8:40. Hope to see you then!

Happiness,

Andy

You’ve got a friend

Last week I was on my own most of the time because the majority of the staff was on vacation. I got creative (uh-oh), brain-stormed a lot, and worked a lot too. There’s just so much possibility and so much to do!! And I realized that I could do a lot of it by myself. Sure, that’s easy enough- make some changes here, hang some things there, plan some inspiring programming, etc. Sure, I could do a lot by myself- I just didn’t want to.

There is much to be said for Christian community. When you scroll out to the big picture, we are here for relationships with God and with each other. I love getting to know all sorts of people… and I guess somewhere in the back of my mind there’s this idea that, because we make up the body of Christ, the more Christians I know, the better acquainted I become with God.

A community of faith is important because, while God does speak through the Holy Word, this message is also, and often, transmitted through God’s children. So interacting with others can leave us enriched, inspired even, and we often have a renewed sense of purpose as we move along in our day-to-day tasks.

If we’re not doing things with or for others- with or for God- our efforts will certainly lack purpose and vitality. We are called to partnership in ministry- partnership in life. As we strive to live like we mean it and “take hold of the life that truly is life”(1 Timothy 6:19) we grow in understanding and it becomes clearer that this life is not meant to be journeyed alone.



Super suppers!

Wednesday night meals have been Potluck this Summer ‘A’ term.  We’ve done Mexican, Italian and B-B-Q.  All three have been great.  This week the theme is… Potluck!  Bring whatever you think you and someone else might like.  :-)  We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow evening.

More ToT!

YO!  This week we had a killer Theology on Tap.  The topic was “Angels in the Doubtfield” the lively conversation inspired all!  I’ll be out of town the rest of the month but don’t worry because the Theological discussions will continue in my absence!

Want to join us?  Show up at Stubbie’s & Steins, located at 9 W University Ave. in Gainesville, FL at 8pm every Tuesday when classes are in session.  Ou discussions are always lively and everyone is invited!  Check out blog devoted entirely to Theology on Tap for more details:  www.gainesvilletheologyontap.org

Rio T.

Space Update

I just wanted to add a quick note to say that the PDCSC physical space is going through some changes. About a week and a half ago we tore down the walls to the old student office (which was the space in the corner of the gym with the walls that didn’t go entirely all the way up to the ceiling. Since the demolition many people have complemented our efforts by saying how much bigger and nicer the space looks. Well we think so too!  Now we are working to get our pool table transported from the front room (Bob Marcus room) to the gym space. We are also working on setting up the old basketball hoop (the one that use to be mounted to the wall) and taping off the 3 point and foul lines so that those of you who want to play/practice can do so. I can’t wait! When I first started coming to the Student Center years ago (2005), one of the things I loved to do most here was shoot some hoops.

So, soon enough we will have not only a foosball table and pool table to enjoy in the gym, but also basketball!  And…

When I get a chance, I am going to design and tape down a labyrinth to the other side of the gym floor. If anyone would like to help, please let me (us) know! More information on the style labyrinth we will have here (and it won’t be the David Bowie sort)  can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth .

We are also working to set up a worship space on the opposite side of the gym from the bball hoop.

Lots of changes!!!

Ah! Almost forgot!  We also have designated the upstairs area in the front room as a study room for all students who need a nice quiet place to study. We have decided to call the space “CramJam”.  Well, with this, we are in need of CHAIRS, DESKS, TABLES, COUCHES, and BEANBAGS so that all those who come to use the space as a study area will have something to sit on and put their books, etc. If you have any of these items, or know anyone who is getting rid of them, we would SO GREATLY appreciate them as a donation to your Student Center!!!

So we are spending a lot of time making these changes in preparation for Summer B and Fall students. A coffee and tea shop will be opening in the front of our building starting in the beginning of the Fall semester and we hope to draw in a lot of students, so we at the PDCSC are also working to design the best programs possible. I really think we are going to have a great year. I look forward to continuing to set up the spaces in the Student Center to be inviting for students on, or searching for, a spiritual path in this world. I believe we all need one as this planet spins faster and faster as the days go on. We have to find something to sink our roots into (continually deeper and deeper) so we don’t go flying off into outer space!!!

Happiness,

Andy

Fiestita!

This Wednesday we enjoyed a delicious Mexican-themed potluck dinner! There was plenty of great food, not to mention some Latin rhythms you couldn’t help but move to (or maybe that was just me..). Following dinner we gathered around for the first of many Bible studies to come. We focused on direction and discernment as well as the idea of “truth” or “goodness”.  A number of passages were drawn from; however, the verse which inspired the topic was:

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”    -Jeremiah 6:16

-What would the signs read at your crossroads? What (or who) are you looking toward? If the truth will set you free, what sort of liberty can you expect?

Join us next week as we try a different style Bible study, using one of Rob Bell’s documentaries to initiate the conversation! He’s a thought-provoking theologian who shines a new light on passages you may have heard hundreds of times-or never at all. After next week, we’ll have a better idea about what sort of Bible study resonates best with our group. So come out and let us know what you like so we can better minister to YOU!

And now, “may the Lord watch between me and thee, while we’re absent one from the other.” -Genesis 31:49

Another Successful Theology on Tap!

Hey All!  Did you know that the PDCSC has a weekly gathering at a local bar where we engage each other in various philosophical and theological discussions?  Well now you know!  This past week we had a very good discussion indeed and a great time was had by all!

Want to join us?  Show up at Stubbie’s & Steins, located at 9 W University Ave. in Gainesville, FL at 8pm every Tuesday when classes are in session.  Ou discussions are always lively and everyone is invited!  Check out blog devoted entirely to Theology on Tap for more details:  www.gainesvilletheologyontap.org

Hope to see you soon!

Walls came a-tumblin’ down

On Saturday last, a group of seven of us met to disassemble two walls that were constructed five years ago for temporary office space, initially, and then used for temporary lounge space.  Prior to the walls going up, the PDCSC had been ‘home’ to several groups who used the space for basketball games.  Well, the basketball goal had to come down in ’05.  And now it is going back up!  We are happy about this because of our own likes but also as a way to invite groups to use the space again for sport.  

Thanks go to the staff– Andy, Rio and Traci– Kris, Woo Soon and Yunho.  A big thanks goes to Floyd Haley, who used his flatbed trailer for carting away all the sheetrock!  Thanks everybody!!

Come have a game with us:  Foosball, Pool… and Basketball… soon!  :-)